The National Association of Oilseed Processors and its member companies are taking part in the 9th China International Import Expo, held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10. Kazakhstan’s national pavilion features a range of oil and fat products in demand on the Chinese market.
Kazakhstan is strengthening its position among China’s key suppliers of these products. In 2025, it ranked second among exporters of sunflower oil to China and was one of the top three suppliers of sunflower meal. In 2024–2025, Kazakhstan remained among the top five suppliers of rapeseed oil.
Over the past three seasons, exports of vegetable oils and oilseed meal/cake to China have increased more than 3.7-fold. Shipments in the last season reached 657,000 tonnes, with a total value of more than $438 million.
The association said its joint work with Kazakhstan Temir Zholy also contributed to the results. Since February 2024, the partners have been working to improve the allocation of rail shipment plans for vegetable oils bound for China through the Dostyk–Alashankou border crossing. The fulfilment rate for agreed plans has exceeded 90%, compared with less than 40% in 2023.
In spring this year, the association, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy and the China Railway Administration launched a pilot project to transport granulated sunflower meal in grain wagons. The project has produced positive results and offers additional opportunities to increase exports of the product.
The association estimates that Kazakhstan’s oil and fat exports to China will reach 1 million tonnes in the next two seasons. Growth will be supported by an expanded raw-material base, more efficient use of logistics infrastructure and the launch of new processing plants.
